Once we were all set to go, we headed over to Einstein Bros bagels for a small breakfast, we would be eating a little bit later at Pats's step-aunt's house.
What is interesting to note that the Clearwater/St.Petersburg area is pretty heavily populated. There is a lot more greenery than in San Diego, but definately a lot less than say, Virginia. Also, there are a million coves, harbors, etc..., take a look at a map. I also noticed that there are quite a lot of strip clubs and various adult stores. A couple of other things to notice is that there aren't as many freeways like in CA and chain restaraunt are pretty prominent and there are many of the same ones closer together, e.g. there will be two Applebees on the same road only a mile apart.
So after breakfast we drove around St.Petersburg/ St.Pete Beach area awhile before realizing that we really needed to be about 35 miles opposite of the direction we were going. Needless to say we were about 45 minutes late.
The homes in Palm Harbor were a bit on the larger side, close to the 3,000 square foot range, I would guess. Margie's (Pat's step-aunt) house was two story but with the design of the layout and closed staircase, one would never have known. Once there we were greeted with good ol' Southern hospitality, complete with y'alls and all. We had a lovely time with Pat's step-mom, Carol, (his dad had pased a few years ago, it's nice he stays in touch with her); her sister, Margie, her family of two; brother John & his family of seven; daughter Debbie & her daughter; and Pat's niece, Cristina.
Carol has MS pretty severly, and completely dependant on others for everything. But she does have a motorized wheelchair, a handicap van so whoever is able to drive her can, and she lives at an assisted living facility. It's nice how her family is so helpful and, as I above mentioned, that Pat and Cristina stay in contact with her even though they aren't really related.
After that nice visit we went back to the hotel with a sleeping child so he could sleep and we could chill out for a bit. Needless to say, the child didn't sleep for much longer. So after some deliberation we had dinner at Cody's Steakhouse. A charming little chain that had "Hot Steaks and Cold Beer." They did. And mini pails of peanuts to enjoy and throw the shells on the floor and butcher paper as the table cloth. I didn't catch the server's name, he was nice, but a character to say the least. Wendy ordered a Sam Adams that came in a paper bag. I ordered a New Castle and was offered the small or the large, I chose large. Expecting a 22-24 oz pilsner l was quite surprised when this ginormous 32oz mug was placed in front of me. After endless yeast rolls, New York strip steaks, pork chops and a grilled Rosemary chicken, and yes, the ginormous beer we wen back to the hotel pretty full.
Nichole, Jude and I said goodnight to Pat and Wendy and retired to our hotel room for the night.
Tomorrow's agenda will start at the quintessential east coast breakfast chain, The Waffle House, followed by the hour and a half drive to the Orlando area to visit with Pat's aunt and her family.
Wesley
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Cheers!
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